Jim Zima column: Men's scratch leagues will have different looks

Green Bay's two men's scratch leagues will have a new look for the 2012-13 bowling season while the city's only women's scratch league maintained its status quo.

The Ashwaubenon 3-Man Classic lost three teams but gained four new teams to give it 24 three-person teams.

The Green Bay Major at Willow Creek Lanes lost two teams but added one new team, and is hoping to add a 10th team prior to Wednesday's opening night.

In addition, Willow Creek has been experimenting with oiling patterns in hopes of making the lanes equal for right- and left-handers. Left-handed bowlers dominated the league the last few years.

The Hometown Café Women's Classic at the Ashwaubenon Bowling Alley will have the same nine four-women teams as it did last year.

In addition, several teams in all the leagues have revamped their line-ups.

Three-Man Classic: The league kicked off its season Monday night with the same format as last year.

There will be three eight-team divisions to be determined after 21 games. The top eight teams will comprise one division, the next eight the second division and the lowest eight the third division.

At the end of the season, the top two teams and two teams with the next-best records will advance to the playoffs.

The league again will use a 16-point scoring system. Two will be awarded to the winner of each of three games, one for each individual win and one for total team series.

Two of the four new teams are family affairs. One of them is comprised of twin brothers, Randy and Ron Wilde, and Ron's son Cullen, moving up from juniors. The other is comprised of Mark Bisick and his sons Aaron and Wade.

Scott Weber will be seeking his sixth straight average title and the T & C Pub team of Nick and Kelly Berken and Matt Heesaker will defend its championship.

Green Bay Major: The Major kicks off its 95th season Wednesday. Willow Creek proprietor Jeff Lee said two bowlers were attempting to put together a 10th team and he is optimistic it will happen before Wednesday.

The league lost two teams, Fourinox and Willow Creek Lanes, but added a new one that will be sponsored by Willow Creek. Jon Lundquist of the Fourinoix team and Wade Bisick of the old Willow Creek team will be on the new team. The team will have six members who will rotate. The other four are Dave Krueger, Kevin Kempf, Alex Lee and Scott Krueger, who is the team captain.

The Marty Brice team of Andy Compton, Tim Thyes, Jeff Ross, Jeff Cayo and Brian Thyes will return to defend its title.

Lee will be seeking his second straight championship.

After 21 games the league will be divided into two divisions by average with teams ranking 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 in one division and teams 2, 4, 6, 7 and 10 (if there is a 10th team) in the other. The actual scoring will be determined on opening night depending on whether a 10th team is found.

Women's Classic: The league will have its annual meeting and open its season Wednesday night with the same nine teams as last year.